Captain Billy

by Capitan Billy
(Lake Powell)

Houseboating on Lake Powell is very special!

The water is clear and clean; warm yet refreshing.

The Lake is upstream of the Grand Canyon with many large and small side canyons to explore and enjoy. The scenery is really unique and spectacular.

But, the safety and mechanical side of houseboating is the same where ever you go. BE PREPARED is the best motto. Since Lake Powell is considered a wildnerness area there are very few services available. There are only five marinas to serve the entire 180 mile lake.

Generally you have to plan on going 50 miles to refuel or pumpout. This means that you have to do some planning based on the fuel, water and sewage tanks capacities. I recommend following a written checklist that includes the following:

1. Fill all fuel, propane and water tanks
2. Pumpout sewage holding tanks
3. Test start engines and generator
4. Charge house and inverter batteries
5. Test all appliances (refrigerator, stove, AC, freezer,grill, etc)
6. Check safety equipment (fire extingushers, carbon mon-oxide alarm, smoke alarm, life preservers, GPS, lake maps, anchors, radio, flashlights, batteries, etc)
7. Take extra rope, engine oil, powersteering fluid, tools, trim fluids, cleaning supplies, soap, spare parts and spare props for each engine, prop pullers, bouys, firewood, 5 gallon gas can, etc
8. Extra set of dry clothes, water socks or shoes, hiking shoes, water proof jacket, sweat pants and shirt
9. Medications, toiletries, first aid kit, bandages, sun screen, treatment for sun burn like Solarcaine, pain relievers, lip balm, anti-itch cream, earache drops, ear plugs, treatment for cuts and bruises
10. Bottled water, food for entire trip based on meals planned, hand axe, matches, pocket knife, charging cords for cell phones and I-pads, music (CDs or the like), movie DVDs, games, etc
11. Remember that fireworks are prohibited in the Glen Canyon Recretional Area; and that Lake Powell is patrolled by the NPS, US Coastguard, Sheriff and State Police for violation of state and US boating safety and operation laws, rules and regulations.

If you take the time to plan ahead and be prepared, your houseboating experience at Lake Powell will be fun, safe and remembered for a lifetime.

Best boating to you!

Capitan Billy